They say, ‘lightning never strikes twice’ but sometimes, in the world of books, it does.
Let me explain…
As some of you will be aware, back in May 2015, my debut novel Holy Island nearly gave me a cardiac arrest when it managed to top the UK Kindle chart at #1 (knocking The Girl on the Train off the top spot, although I don’t imagine that gave Paula too many sleepless nights considering the rollicking and well-deserved success of her own book!) Nonetheless, when that happened, I was in a state of mild shock for quite some time afterward and probably, on some subliminal level, I still am. You see, I had no expectations. I hadn’t read every tome on ‘How to be a Writer’ and hadn’t taken endless courses on creative writing, although I was well trained in drafting as a lawyer. I didn’t have an established author platform or a degree in marketing, nor an agent, for that matter. Added to which, I had recently turned down an offer of traditional publication in favour of independent publishing through Amazon KDP and some people probably thought I’d taken leave of my senses. I didn’t have a big publishing house to support me, to pay for advertising space on tables in chain book stores or in magazines, to plaster it across bill boards or distribute my book on supermarket shelves, to guarantee membership rights to all the ‘right’ associations and don’t even get me started on things like television and foreign rights. (N.B. It is a fallacy to think that a traditional deal will equate to investment of this kind – the publisher is a business and they must prioritise resources like any other commercial venture, which usually means investing in established, ‘big hitting’ authors rather than unknowns).
No pressure, then.
What I did have was complete freedom to produce a body of work on my own terms, without anybody telling me ‘you can’t do that’, or ‘you should write like this.’ I had access to professional editing and proofreading, which I sourced myself, to ensure quality standards. I started out making my own covers but could easily hire a professional cover designer, as many of them work freelance nowadays. I was responsible for making the book visible, as far as I could. Let’s not forget that none of this would have been possible without the revolutionary publishing platform Amazon created, which allows thousands of people to realise their dreams rather than relying on the decision of a minority few. Not every indie book will become a bestseller but at least the readers are the ultimate arbiters and every writer is given the chance to try.
The day I was called to the bar, quite a few years ago!
This little bumble bee gifted me the time and impetus to change career
The fact is, I just wanted to write my story and retain creative control. I had resigned a well-paid job as a regulatory lawyer and decided to take a short career break to figure out what I’d prefer to do with my life. As an avid reader, writing seemed to beckon. However, the process was – let’s say interrupted by the arrival of our son, Ethan. Having spent a lifetime being told that I might never be able to have children, this news came as a huge, momentous, wonderful surprise and seemed like a kind of miracle. I felt extremely protective of the little bundle I carried and felt less inclined to scurry around the streets of London looking for another stressful job. It was therefore thanks to Ethan that I decided to open my laptop and start writing the story I’d first imagined on a train journey between Newcastle and Edinburgh, looking out across the North Sea to Holy Island.
The success of its sequels (Sycamore Gap, Heavenfield, Angel and High Force) has been very much like a series of aftershocks. With each new release, I am consumed with nerves and very anxious to know how it will be received. There is never any sense of complacency or an assumption that readers will enjoy a book because they have enjoyed the others. The same effort, sweat and tears goes into every manuscript. I certainly never thought another book of mine would reach the same top spot as Holy Island because…well, lightning doesn’t strike twice. I’m not a greedy person and I remember very clearly saying to my husband, “That’s it, for me. If I never sell another book, I’ll always be able to cherish this moment.” Turns out, I have an even kinder readership than I thought, because on 1st June my forthcoming book Cragside managed to claw its way to the #1 UK Kindle spot – and it hasn’t been released yet!
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00007]](https://lovesuspense.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/cover.jpg?w=215&h=326 "Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00007]")
I don’t think a simple ‘thank you’ can really convey the deep gratitude I feel for all those people who have supported my writing and enjoyed the DCI Ryan series. It’s great to be able to say a book was a bestseller but, more importantly, to be able to say it came into being because a million people have read my books and deemed them worthy. The readers are the true gatekeepers and it is their opinion that matters to me the most.
Thanks to all of you!
LJ x
Wow, you are a total inspiration Louise and so pleased for you. How well your books are doing is a total credit to you so well done xx
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Thank you, Sarah! The great thing is, anybody can give it a go and I’m so happy to see so many other authors realising their dreams xx
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Louise you deserve every moment of your success, you are a fantastic author and I can’t wait to read Cragside, well done and I hope you write many more fabulous books and thank you for hours of really excellent reading.
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Thank you, Madeleine! I’m so pleased you enjoy the books 🙂 xx
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Ever since I opened up Holy Island I have become a huge fan of L J Ross and her writing. DCI Ryan is a great character, Louise’s writing is wonderful and very descriptive. I have just started Cragside and not disappointed. I consider myself a big fan
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Thanks for all your longstanding support, Kevin. It is much appreciated! x
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Hi Louise, You have an exceptional talent for telling a gripping story, with believable characters, with the frailties we all have as human beings. Enjoy the success! X
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Thank you, Eric! Very kind of you! X
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Thank you for a fantastic series, have enjoyed everyone. I feel as if I know all the cast. Waiting for Graigside, which I have ordered and waiting for delivery. Well done.xx
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Thank you, Jean! xx
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Wow, what an incredible story, you have greatly inspired me, I’m almost at the end of my first novel, and now I know I can do it independently. Thank you for sharing your journey, I am ready to complete mine now, at the same time keeping up to date with DCI Ryan. 😁 Thank you xx
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Good luck, Debbie! Wishing you every success x
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Just can’t resist you LJ and can’t wait to read ‘Cragside’. Best wishes.
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Thanks Joan x
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I am holding my breath (well figuratively speaking!) for the imminent delivery of “Cragside”. I was hooked from the start – “Holy Island” was utterly gripping and I ordered the entire series even before getting to the last page. Many congratulations on your amazing achievement – please keep DCI Ryan at work. Sending you much love and many thanks from our home in France.
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Thank you! x
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Oh another…. I cant wait. You really are a role model and inspiration . Congratulations. TV rights next? I really hope so x
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Congratulations on your double success. Your story is inspiring. I was drawn to Holy Island by the exquisite cover, and thoroughly enjoyed the story. I’m looking forward to reading more of your novels.
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Thank you, Robert!
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Started reading Holywell Island because of its title (all of your titles are places I know and love although I don’t come from Northumberland ) kept reading it because I couldn’t put it down. Read the first 5 of your books in under a week. Good thing there is know body to complain about lack of cooking or cleaning. Have just finished Cragside. Cant wait for the next book! !
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I am reading the last in the DCI Ryan series and feeling sad . Also very anxious for your next book. I have really enjoyed your writing and of course your main characters. Thank you for hours of enjoyable reading.
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Thank you, Claudia! I will write as quickly as I can 😀 xx
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Have now read all 6 books find them thrilling can’t wait for the next .
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Thank you, Betty! x
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I truest enjoyed reading all 6 books. I have been to your part of England and traveled with my friend to all these different places. To revisit them with you has been exquisite, scarey, heart pounding and a desire to keep reading on and on. More please . My marathon read is over and I am relieved and devastated. More more more ! What a trip.
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Hi Janet! Thank you for your message – I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading the first six books! I will get cracking on Dark Skies (Book 7) and I hope you enjoy that just as much 🙂 x
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Just finished Cragside and loved it. Living near Elsdon I absolutely adore knowing the places and seeing what alterations you’ve made. But most of all as a counsellor I love seeing the psychological reality of everything you write. I am so glad book 6 is not the last!
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Thank you, Eleanor! So pleased you’re enjoying the books 🙂 x
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I’m surrounded by dirty washing, cupboards with no food in them and a flashing phone where people have left messages but I am very happily! Truth is I have just finished Cragside. Another fabulous read and loved it as much as the rest. Just cannot set your books down. I am watching out for the next one and might just read the rest all over again in the meantime. Well, as soon as I have caught up on the laundry, gone to the supermarket and cleared the answerphone. Many, many thanks I thoroughly enjoy your work and I hope you never stop writing.
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Thank you, Rhonda! I’m so pleased you are enjoying the stories 😀 x
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